Quality – and quantity – were the themes of the bumper PATS Telford 2023 show, with exhibitors and visitors alike commenting on the amount of great business being done across the two days.

The second day started off as busy as the first with pet retailers and industry professionals flooding through the doors eager to see the array of innovations coming to market.

With more than 260 companies and brands showcasing hundreds of new products in all three halls of Telford International Centre, it proved to be a record-breaker.

There was also a lot of excitement around the news that PATS Telford 2024 would become a three-day show.

Exhibitors found they were busy from the start with a steady stream of inquiries. Rogz experienced lots of interest in its New Product Award-winning product range. Sallie-Ann Reed, the company’s managing director for UK and Ireland, said: “We’ve had an amazing show. It’s great to see so much support for the exhibition and I’ve been particularly pleased with the interest shown it our product ranges. PATS Telford creates a real buzz in the UK pet industry, and I’m 100% behind the move to a three-day show next year.”

Ancol Pet Products was another exhibitor welcoming the prospect of showcasing its products over three days from 2024 onwards, with director Simon Lane saying: “This year’s show has been brilliant. Our stand was busy from start to finish and there was a good mix of retailers and buyers showing interest in our ranges. I really love the idea of being able to have an extra day.

And Daniel Vander, of we.pet, said: “It’s been a very busy show for us. We’ve taken on some new customers and new orders and we really like the layout this year – another great show!”

Rita Sohal, relationship manager at Earthbound UK, commented: “We’ve had a really nice steady flow through the stand with a lot of new customers and people looking to restock or take on new business. A few customers told us the New Starter Zone was a draw for them and we think that has been a great attraction for those looking for something new and innovative.”

Cristina Gavilan, category manager at Company of Animals, added: “It’s been a great show – we’ve had a lot of visitors, a lot of interest and already a few orders. Now we are planning on a few innovations for the next one.”

Meanwhile, first-time exhibitor Oh So Precious was thrilled with its decision to take a stand with the company’s Helen Davies saying: “We’ve had a very busy first exhibition, which just goes to show that PATS is the place to be for the pet trade – it’s the absolute focal point.”

The show also got the thumbs-up from visitors, who flocked to the show on both days.

Toni Thornton of Four Oaks Country Store, who has been in the pet trade for over 30 years, said: “There’s a really good vibe here this year – everyone’s so upbeat and happy to be doing business. And there’s so much to see – we are going to struggle to get round in two days to be honest.”

Darren Porter, owner of Urmston Pet Shop in Greater Manchester, added: “I’ve really enjoyed the show. I like how PATS has separated out the New Starter Zone – especially near the free drinks – as it has massively helped to identify who is new and I think it’s also helped them all to feel they are in it together. I find they are dead keen to do business and meeting them at PATS is the only way to find out what’s new and up and coming.”

Olga Olesheva, of Happy Dug, travelled from Edinburgh and admitted it was well worth the trip. “I loved the layout of the exhibition, it’s so easy to navigate. And there’s so much to see – brilliant.”

With an increasing number of pet retailers introducing grooming salons into their stores, the PATS programme of demos, in association with For All DogKind, provided invaluable insights into this side of the business.

On both days of the show expert groomers gave demonstrations of specialist grooming techniques, as well as advice on how to grow your grooming business.

Laura Redstone, of For All DogKind, said: “It’s a great honour to have the opportunity to run the grooming demos for PATS. It’s really helped with our brand awareness – we’ve never had our logo so visible before – and we’ve loved the chance to speak to so many people and show what we can do.

“We are trying to raise awareness among groomers about the opportunity to expand their businesses via pet retailers – and for retailers to have an additional opportunity to get people through the door. Our exposure at PATS will really help with this.”

Date for the diary:

PATS Telford 2024 – Telford International Centre, 29 September -1 October 2024